|| Singapore remains optimistic about Bangladesh’s long-term potential and seeks to partner with Bangladesh in areas such as port management, logistics, the aviation sector, the digital economy and in capacity-building.Chargé d' Affaires of Singapore in Dhaka Mitchel Lee said this while  speaking at the reception marking Singapore's 61st National Day reception at a city hotel on Minday. In 2025, our trade in goods totaled 3.9 billion Singapore dollars or USD$3 billion. Cumulative FDI into Bangladesh is also around 3 billion Singapore dollars or around USD$2 billion. This is not insignificant and there is more scope to grow.          Chargé d' Affaires of Singapore Mitchel Lee said “In November 2022, Singapore signed an MOU on Trade and Investment with Bangladesh which provided a framework for closer economic cooperation including the setting up of a Joint Working Group which would work towards an eventual FTA between both sides.  “Road Transport, Bridges, Railways and Shipping MinisterShaikh Rabiul Alam was present as the chief guest. Politicians, civil and military bureaucrats, top leading business leaders, journalists, diplomats attended the reception .          Chargé d'Affaires of Singapore Mitchel Lee said “This year, Singapore celebrates 61 years of independence. It is also the 60th anniversary of the launch of Singapore’s pledge which is recited by Singaporeans at our annual National Day parade. It is also recited in schools and government offices daily. It calls for Singaporeans to pledge themselves as “one united people, regardless of race, language and religion, to build a democratic society, based on justice and equality to achieve happiness, prosperity and progress for our nation.”He also said that the core values contained within this pledge, multiculturalism, democracy, justice and equality, all remain relevant for Singapore in this increasingly turbulent global environment. We also believe that these values are applicable in Bangladesh as it strives towards a better future.          Mitchel Lee said “As Singapore celebrate our 61st birthday, we want to thank all our international partners and in particular Bangladesh who have journeyed with us to this stage of Singapore’s development. Our relationship with Bangladesh is in fact longstanding. Diplomatic relations between both sides were established in February 1972. “A cornerstone of our bilateral relationship has traditionally been the migrant workers from Bangladesh who are involved in Singapore’s construction and marine services sector. In fact, although the numbers are relatively small compared to other recipient countries, according to Bangladesh Bank’s figures, Singapore is the 10th contributing country, in terms of remittances sent back to Bangladesh.Mitchel Lee said “But our relationship is, of course, about much more than trade and investment. Over the past two years, we have also tried to introduce Singapore to Bangladesh and learn more about Bangladesh ourselves.He also said “We did this through talks at universities, our first Visa and Consular Networking Session, cooking workshops at the National Hotel & Tourism Training Institute, and film screenings. We also held our first Singapore-Bangladesh Art Exhibition featuring both Singaporean and Bangladeshi artists at Alliance Française de Dhaka. In fact, you can see the works by the young Bangladeshi artists displayed just behind you.”He also said “We also sought to share Singapore's experience in good governance and strengthen people-to-people ties through the Singapore Cooperation Programme, including by bringing together former participants for an SCP Alumni Dinner. We also donated a collection of Singapore books to the Bangladesh National Library.”          He also said “Going forward, my successor, Philip Ong, who is here today, will work closely with all of you to take our bilateral relationship to greater heights. I have told Philip that he will now have to think of something new to keep all of you entertained next year.Mitchel Lee said “Finally, let me conclude by thanking all of you present here for your warm friendship and camaraderie. I got to know many of you not just professionally but as good friends. As I move from the Bay of Bengal to the other Bay area across the pacific ocean, I hope that we continue to stay in touch. “